Editorial - Budyong April 15, 2008

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 3850

2008 REDISCOVER BACOLOD DISTRICT CONFERENCE

(Congratulations, Rotary Club of Kalibo!!!)

Rotary International District 3850 held its annual district conference, “2008 Rediscover Bacolod District Conference”, at the Planta Hotel and Residences, Bacolod City, last April 3-5, 2008, with the Rotary Club of Bacolod as host club.

The District Conference (DISCON) is the most important District meeting of the Rotary year. The purpose of the DISCON is to advance the Object of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses, and the discussion of matters of importance to Rotary clubs and Rotary International. The conference showcases Rotary programs and successful district and club activities. Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation on Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, or Ambassadorial Scholarships at a district conference. The conference is a celebration to inspire Rotarians and an opportunity for them to enjoy fellowship.

A district conference is an enjoyable experience where Rotary programs and activities are discussed, friendships are made and strengthened, and various entertainments are shared. It is also the place where some, most, or all of the district business is conducted. For DISCON 2008, District Governor Reinier “Prince” Gerochi and the 2008 Discon Committees have worked for a lot of time, filling its three-day program with top speakers, Rotary information and inspiration, entertainment and – very important – ample opportunity for fellowship.

The 2008 District Conference agenda was anchored on this year’s theme, “Rotary Shares”, with special emphases on the four (4) elements of an Effective Rotary Club, namely:

1) Sustain and Increase Membership;

2) Implement Successful Service Projects;

3) Support The Rotary Foundation through our contributions and participation in its programs; and

4) Develop Leaders to serve beyond District- and Club-levels.

RI Director-Elect Jackson S. L. Hseih (Taipei Sunrise, D-3520, Taiwan) was selected by RI President Wilf Wilkinson to serve as his personal representative to our 2008 Discon, with his spouse Juliet representing Joan, Pres. Wilf’s spouse. As the link between our DisCon and the RI leadership, RIDE Jackson made two (2) major Conference addresses: on the RI Theme “Rotary Shares” during the Opening Ceremony last April 3, Thursday, and on the “status report” on Rotary during the TRF Fellowship Luncheon last April 4, Friday; he likewise offered a summation during the Governor’s Ball last April 5, Saturday.

As PDG Dave Villanueva said, “if the Rotary information and inspiring speeches and discussions are the building blocks of the District Conference, fellowship is the mortar”. For three (3) nights, it was all fun … fun … fun, with the Welcome Fellowship Dinner on April 3 (with the Grupo Mari Teves and the La Carlota Drumbeaters providing the entertainment), the District 3850 “Best of the Best” Talent Night on April 4 (with the famous Totong Villaruz Band providing the music), and the Governor’s Ball on April 5 (with Ballroom Dancing, complete with male and female DIs).

The most awaited moment of the Discon is the Governor’s Ball on the last night. This is the event in which all delegates has to wear their best formal attire and look in their dazzlingly best! It was also Recognition and Awards Night wherein the District recognizes all the hard work and best effort of those clubs who performed very well during the Rotary year. Our club garnered fourteen (14) major and minor awards, being one of the most-awarded (if not the most awarded) club of the night, to wit: 1) Most Outstanding Avenue of Community Service Award, 2) Best Vocational Project Award (Youth Congress), 3) Best Rotary Community Corp Project Award (RCC New Washington), 4) Best Community Project (Feeding Program), 5) Best Public Image/PR Award (Tri-Media), 6) Outstanding RCC Award (RCC SEALS), 7) Outstanding Avenue of Club Service Award, 8) 2^nd Highest Contribution to The Rotary Foundation Award (a first for RC Kalibo!), 9) Outstanding Club Secretary Award (congrats, PP Vic!), 10) Outstanding Club President Award (congrats Pres. More!), 11) Outstanding Rotary Club Award (Category B), 12) Distinguished Service Award for PP Raphy Tayco, Jr. as RCC District Chair, 13) Distinguished Service Award for IP Megs Lunn as District Fellowship Chair), and 14) 4th Runner-up for AG Noli Sodusta during the Rotary Discon Golf Tournament. Still to follow is a belated recognition and thanks for being host to the Sectional Membership Seminar last January.

Thus, 2008 Rediscover Bacolod District Conference was not “just another meeting”; it was an opportunity for Rotary service, information and fellowship. It was also a showcase of Rotary Club of Kalibo’s eminence as one of the premier Rotary clubs in the district.

Congratulations, Rotary Club of Kalibo and the Sharing Team of President More!!!